Dallas Mavericks Face Backlash from Fans Over Recent Trades
A wave of silence typically covers American Airlines Center when a Dallas Mavericks player steps to the free-throw line. However, that wasn’t the case on several occasions Sunday afternoon during the Mavericks’ 130-125 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
P.J. Washington, in his first game back with the team in over two weeks, approached the free-throw line in the third quarter with 8:04 left. An outraged fan voiced his displeasure with the decision to trade Luka Doncic by urging the franchise’s ownership to dismiss Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
“Fire Nico!” the fan shouted. This chant has become a popular saying among Mavericks fans since Harrison traded Doncic to Los Angeles.
The Reaction from Players and Fans
Washington made the first freebie and responded with a few choice words of his own: “Shut yo ass up!” The fan in question posted a video of the interaction to X on Sunday afternoon. Washington missed the second free throw, one of his only two misses at the stripe in nine trips.
Washington had a dominant return to the lineup, but Sunday’s loss was a frustrating outcome for the Mavericks. Washington was asked about the chants after the game. “At the end of the day, the trades happened,” Washington said. “We understand we have a new team now. All that “Fire Nico” stuff, we’re sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out there and play and we need the fans to support us no matter who’s on the floor. That’s just how I feel about it.”
The Trades that Sparked the Backlash
Harrison’s decision to trade Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for Anthony Davis and Max Christie — and subsequently Quentin Grimes for an injured Caleb Martin — has led to an overwhelmingly negative reaction from even the diehard Mavericks fans.
The phrase “Fire Nico” has been a popular saying around the Dallas-Fort Worth area since Harrison traded Doncic to Los Angeles. Fans were seen on the Jumbotron mouthing the words during Sunday’s game. The same chant broke out Saturday afternoon as the Mavericks’ float drove down Greenville Ave at Dallas’ St. Patrick’s Day parade.
How the Team is Dealing with the Backlash
Christie, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, was asked about Washington’s reaction to the chants after the game. He declined to comment, but offered a detailed explanation of how the team tries to tune out the external noise.
“We’re professionals and our job is to come out here and perform regardless of the circumstances that we’re in,” Christie said. “We get paid a lot of money just to play basketball. For us, we have little things like that that may be distracting and whatnot. It shouldn’t affect us. We’re professionals. We’re the best at what we do in this sport. Distractions are going to be there and we have to be able to move forward and move past them and not let it affect us.”
The Mavericks are 5-6 at American Airlines Center since Doncic and Grimes were traded. The heckling doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon, especially with Doncic’s return looming on April 9.
Another familiar foe: See photos from Mavericks’ Sunday showdown with Quentin Grimes, 76ers
View Gallery
Davis has been sidelined since February 8 and could return from his injury soon, but there are pros and cons to him returning to the lineup this season.
Both teams dressed a combined 18 players for Sunday’s matinee in Dallas.
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a difficult time as they deal with the backlash from their recent trades. The team is trying to move forward and focus on their performance, but the external noise is proving to be a challenge. With Doncic’s return looming, it will be interesting to see how the team and the fans react.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the reaction of the fans to the trade of Luka Doncic?
A: The fans were outraged and have been chanting “Fire Nico” since the trade was made.
Q: How has the team been dealing with the backlash?
A: The team is trying to focus on their performance and tune out the external noise, but it is proving to be a challenge.
Q: Will Anthony Davis return to the lineup this season?
A: Davis has been sidelined since February 8 and could return from his injury soon, but there are pros and cons to him returning to the lineup this season.
